Even in the days before Twitter and Facebook, if something made a big enough splash in the world of wrestling, you could bet your bottom dollar it would fill up messageboards and chatrooms fast. The Montreal Screwjob may have happened in 1997, but its immensely controversial nature sent shockwaves throughout every facet of the industry - including the internet. Arguably the first wrestling event to truly evoke the fury of online fans, the conspiracy carried out against Bret Hart by Vince, Shawn, Earl et al. sent fans scurrying to news sites and forums. Dave Meltzer's extensive report on the incident has been preserved here, and is a fascinating window into the world of early online wrestling journalism. The event also marks one of the first times (and perhaps the only time) internet opinion has provoked Vince McMahon into a direct response, the WWE owner stating: 'Over the past few days I have read certain comments on the internet concerning Bret Hart and his "alleged" reasons for wanting to pursue other avenues than the World Wrestling Federation to earn his livelihood. While I respect the "opinions" of others, as owner of the World Wrestling Federation I felt that it was time to set the record straight.
